I like to say I’m habitually on the internet for my job, but the reality is that we all like a little doom scrolling occasionally. One of my many pockets of TikTok is that of the Highland cow. Given the end of the extremely popular “Outlander” series, and the fans’ current impact at the FIFA World Cup, Scotland – you could say – is having a moment.
The Highland cow is a Scottish breed of cow that, you probably have guessed, originated in the Scottish Highlands. They are known for their long shaggy coats, beautiful variety of coloring and – at least the ones on the internet – personalities to match their hefty size.
While I figured I would have to travel thousands of miles to ever see a Highland cow, what I did not expect was the Southern drawl I heard attached to a TikTok video talking to three adorable male cows.
For any familiar with her videos, Bre Boyette’s holler of “DUMPLIN’” is like that of a dinner bell signaling to everyone that it’s time to go see what trouble this boy has gotten up to that day. From chasing him behind the fence of their property, to finding him at the front of the house nowhere near where he should be, the tales of Dumplin’ and his two brothers – Waffles and Kevin Bacon – are less of what I imagine Scottish folktales to be and more a storyline that one would find on an old-school sitcom a la “I Love Lucy” or “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
@brehillboyette Chaos. Pure chaos. 🐮 #minicow #highlandcow #cowsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Bre & Cam Boyette
When I found a video of Boyette answering questions about her cows, the Bovine mother mentioned that the three stooges – I mean brothers – were only a few minutes outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I knew immediately I needed to meet the famous trio. And, even better, you can meet them too!
One Thursday evening I took the quick trip from New Orleans to Walker, Louisiana to experience what they call “Fluffy Cow Therapy.” And I can share, there is no way you’re leaving any type of experience with these cows not feeling happy. Therapy, at least for a moment, it is.
But Fluffy Cow Therapy wasn’t the original goal when Boyette and her husband Cameron first brought home Dumplin’ and Waffles. Boyette told me she has always loved animals, especially Highland cows. When they found Dumplin’ and Waffles in Nebraska and had them shipped down to Louisiana, Boyette says she created these “monsters” with diva qualities, especially Dumplin’.
“I spoiled him rotten as a baby,” said Boyette. “He was in the house, not the garage, nightly. He would lay on the dog bed while we watched movies. He would come in the bathroom with me while I relaxed in the tub. He knew where the kids’ rooms were and where the refrigerator was. He would ‘moo’ to get carrots. So, we did it. We created this monster.”
This is what Boyette points to as the reason for the many videos of his escape to the front of the yard and the front door. He knows they’re inside, she said, and will ‘moo’ on the patio at the window until he gets their attention.
These big personalities helped the boys pay for themselves. Boyette now has a photography business, and when the cows first came on the scene, they became the main attraction. People loved taking pictures with them, even having them as part of big life moments like a baby’s birthday smash cake photos or Christmas pictures with the brothers dressed in festive attire.
The photo sessions are what helped set off the family’s TikTok page, when Dumplin’s crazy antics were put on display, and the star was born.
People from all over the country began reaching out to the couple to come meet the cows. It got to a point, Boyette said, that people were traveling thousands of miles to meet them, and the waiting list hit the hundreds.
For those interested in “Fluffy Cow Therapy,” you simply sign up for the waitlist on Boyette’s TikTok or photography pages. She will open a day and post to the list, with the waitlist names getting first pick, and then – as she put it – the race is on.
When you come up to the property, you’ll meet Boyette who will take you out back to where the cows live. There will be some chairs for you to sit and she’ll provide some brushes and treats for you to interact with them. There even might be a dress up option or two for you to put on the boys and take as many selfies as you’d like for the entire hour session.
While I didn’t dress the boys up, just the experience of being near an animal that I may never have had the opportunity to before was something truly special. As big as they are, they were – for the most part – gentle and curious. They wanted to see why I was talking with their mom and dad – as, I figured out, they are basically giant puppies – and covered almost every inch of me in sniffs and snots.
@brehillboyette Dumplin’ is the master of out not in 😒🤦🏼♀️ #minicow #highlandcow #cowsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Bre & Cam Boyette
I’d even suggest to someone to just go and be quiet with them. Sit in the beautiful nature that is the Boyette’s property and really take the time to experience the “therapy” of it all. If you’re lucky, you will get to see Dumplin’s personality come out – there were a few headbutts and messing with Bre that made me feel like I was in the middle of a TikTok video.
Another option is to paint alongside the cows. Craftin’ With the Cows offers up to 12 people the opportunity to paint a Highland cow cutout while hanging out with the real-life versions. You can do all the same fun things as the Fluffy Cow Therapy but add a little art therapy to the mix.
Additionally, Cameron shared that they have started “Moo Mail.” This offers fans an interaction with the cows without having to fly or go for a long drive. The Moo Mail includes virtually adopt the cows, certificate included, and each month, you’ll get a postcard in the mail with a new photo and a funny story or moment from their point of view.
If that wasn’t enough, there is a 2027 calendar with pictures of all three stars that you can buy no matter where in the world you are located.
I can’t suggest enough that anyone in the area – or willing to make the trip – should “try this.” It’s a one-of-a-kind experience with a great Louisiana family and a few cows that are sure to have you leave with many stories to tell.
Click here to sign up for Fluffy Cow Therapy.
Click here for Craftin’ with the Cows.
Moo Mail and the calendar can be found here.
